Storyboarding is an excellent way to focus on types of literary conflicts.
Having students create storyboards that show the cause and effect of different types of conflicts strengthens analytical thinking about literary concepts. Have your students choose an example of each literary conflict and depict them using the storyboard creator. In the storyboard, an example of each conflict should be visually represented, along with an explanation of the scene, and how it fits the particular category of conflict.
Sergeant Major Morris knows that the paw brings mischief, so he throws it into the fire. Mr. White, however, wants to try his luck with the paw so he saves it, in spite of Morris’ insistence to let it burn.
While Mr. White knows the dangers of the paw, he risks it to get his son back. However, when he hears the ominous knocking on the door, he knows that his wish has been granted in a twisted way. Despite the fact that his son could potentially be outside, he wishes for his son to be dead again.
When Mr. White makes his wish on the paw, he is interfering with the way that things are supposed to be. Because of his interference with fate, he is punished by losing his son and then having him brought back to life in a zombie-like state.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in “The Monkey’s Paw”.
Engage students in a class discussion by preparing open-ended questions about each type of conflict in The Monkey's Paw. Encourage students to share their interpretations and connect personal experiences to the story. This helps students deepen their understanding and see how conflicts drive the plot and character decisions.
Ask students to find and quote specific lines from the story that show each type of conflict. Model how to connect these quotes to their storyboard scenes. This practice strengthens analytical skills and supports their interpretations with clear evidence.
Invite students to write an alternate ending or create a new conflict for the story. Let students share their versions and discuss how changes might affect the characters and themes. This sparks imaginative thinking and helps students apply their knowledge in creative ways.
Have students swap storyboards and give constructive feedback to each other using a simple checklist. Encourage positivity and specific suggestions. Peer review helps students learn from one another and refine their analysis.
The main types of literary conflict in 'The Monkey's Paw' are Man vs. Man (conflict between characters, like Mr. White and Sergeant Major Morris), Man vs. Self (Mr. White’s internal struggle), and Man vs. Nature (battling fate and supernatural consequences).
Use a storyboard creator to have students visually represent different conflicts from the story. Each cell should illustrate a conflict type, include characters, and provide a short description explaining how the scene fits the literary conflict category.
An example of Man vs. Self is when Mr. White must decide whether to wish his son back to life, knowing the paw’s dangers. His internal struggle highlights the theme of consequences and regret.
Understanding literary conflict helps students analyze characters’ motivations, plot development, and deeper themes. It builds critical thinking and improves comprehension across literature studies.
Try group storyboarding, quick conflict identification worksheets, or class discussions on each conflict type. Encourage students to find text evidence and illustrate scenes for active engagement.